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These rich chocolate brownies are topped with a light, almost cake-like, almond frangipane layer making for a unique and delicious dessert.
What are Almond Frangipane Brownies?
Rich chocolate brownies are topped with a layer of flavorful almond frangipane. Frangipane is made with butter, egg, flour, almond flour, salt, and almond extract and is often used in French tarts, almond croissants, and pastries. It starts out as a paste, but bakes up to form a light, almost cake-like texture. The light texture of the frangipane and the flavor of the almond extract compliments the deep chocolate brownie beautifully.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Brownies
Fluffy Frangipane – almond frangipane bakes up to a fluffy cake-like layer that is so delicious!
Rich Chocolate – the homemade brownie base is full of chocolate flavor and only takes 6 simple ingredients to make.
Chocolate Almond – the chocolate of the brownie and the almond extract in the frangipane pair beautifully together.
Perfect for Parties – these brownies slice cleanly and are a great finger-food dessert for parties and gatherings. They’re great for birthdays, dinner parties, brunch, holidays, backyard BBQ’s, and more.
Unique – the layer of almond frangipane elevates these brownies to create a fun and unique treat!
Simple – the brownies and the almond frangipane are both made with simple ingredients and are easy to prepare.
FAQ
What is almond frangipane?
Frangipane is a sweet paste made from butter, egg, flour, almond flour, salt and almond extract. It’s often used in tarts, croissants, and pastries and bakes up to a cake-like texture with a rich and delicous flavor that pairs wonderfully with so many things.
What is dutch-process cocoa?
Dutch-process cocoa is natural cocoa that has been alkalized to neutralize the natural acidity, creating a richer, more rounded, chocolate flavor. You can usually find it in the baking asile of the grocery store, but it can also be found online.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
As the brownies bake, the frangipane on top will start to spread and then begin to puff up around the edges. As it continues to bake the center will puff up as well and it will start to turn a light golden brown. Once this happens, the brownies are done.
Does it matter which method I use to top the brownies with almond frangipane?
This recipe calls for piping the almond frangipane over the brownie batter. In the recipe notes there is an alternative method where you chill and slice the almond frangipane before placing on top of the brownie batter. Either method works well, it just depends on your preference and supplies.
Piping the frangipane allows you to prepare the brownie batter right after preparing the frangipane. If you choose the slicing method (“method 2” as described in the recipe notes), you’ll want to wait for the almond frangipane to chill before you prepare and assemble the brownies.
More Brownie Recipes
S’mores Brownies
Easy Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Equipment / Ingredients
You’ll want an 8 x 8 inch baking dish for these brownies.
This recipe uses common ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores, if you don’t already have them on-hand. I’ve included links to a few ingredients below if you’re unable to find them in-store.
Almond Frangipane Brownies
Equipment
- 8 x 8 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Almond Frangipane
- 6 tbsp (85 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (90 g) almond flour
- 3 tbsp (23 g) flour
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp almond extract (or 2 tsp for extra almond flavor)
Brownies
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 10 tbsp (142 g) butter, melted
- ½ cup (50 g) dutch-process cocoa powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60 g) flour
- sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325℉. Grease or line an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Almond Frangipane
- Combine the softened butter and sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add salt, almond extract, and egg. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in flour and almond flour. Set aside. (You'll need a piping bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off to pipe the almond frangipane onto the brownie batter later on. Alternatively, see the notes below and follow the "Method 2" instructions before continuing.)
Brownies
- Add the sugar and eggs to a bowl and whisk until pale and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
- Add the butter mixture to the egg mixture and mix to combine.
- Add the flour and mix to combine.
- Spread the batter into a prepared pan.
- Pipe the frangipane evenly over the brownie batter. Alternatively, follow Step 5 of "Method 2", below, before baking.
- Optional: add some sliced almonds on top of the frangipane layer.
- Bake the brownies for 38 – 42 minutes or until frangipane starts to turn golden brown and has puffed up evenly.
- Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and place the almond frangipane onto it.
- Use the plastic wrap to form a log with the almond frangipane and wrap tightly. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Place the frangipane log into the fridge and chill until firm.
- — Once the frangipane is firm, prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions above. —
- Unwrap the log of frangipane. Cut slices and place on top of the brownie batter until the top is covered. It doesn’t have to be perfect, the frangipane will spread slightly as it bakes.
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